True Love:Follow Your Heart

by Melissa Heagerty

  “That was way too close,”

  Kelli couldn't agree more. “Let's keep our distance from each other for a while.”

  They agreed as they began to head home. What Kelli and Wyatt wanted to know is why didn't Kandace rat them out?

  Chapter 36

  “H-Hey,” Eileen said as she held some party decorations. She nearly collided with Ethan in the hallway.

  “Need a hand?” Ethan asked offering. She nodded as he took some party supplies. The ones she dropped on the floor that was. “I-uh wanted to talk to you.” This conversation went so much better in his head. “I see things between you and Heagertigh are going well,” Ethan said. The two haven't talked since her accusation about him.

  “I guess we are. At least we're on the same page. Can't say the same about you.” She told him kind of coldly.

  He deserved that and wondered if Michael revealed what he said. “He told you?” Ethan grimaced.

  Shaking her head. She was glad they were on speaking terms again. “No, but you obviously figured out why I yelled at you that night.”

  He swallowed hard, nodding lightly. He came to accept it a while back. The first time he kissed after the fight, he knew it was never going to happen. “It wasn't easy for me to say that to him. I'm honestly surprised he wasn't able to figure it out, but you did.” Ethan was glad that she wasn't too pissed off at him for the heated discussion, even if she was there in that room with them. Their friendship would've ended on the spot.

  She hated how their argument left. Trying to let someone down without getting emotionally attached, it is never easy to let them down easy. “Give him some time he'll see it too. You are wrong though, Ethan. You do deserve to be with someone who cares about you. I may not know what you told him; and, I may never want to but, I felt remorseful with how things ended between us. I took the cowards way out.” She lowered her head sheepishly for it.

  He gently lifted it back up, gazing into her eyes. He’d rather have her as a friend and be in her life then not have her at all. “You don't need to apologize for anything. Clearly, we know It's better off this way. I'll see you around, okay?” Ethan kisses her on the forehead leaving her alone to ponder her thoughts.

  What would happen if she did change her mind? Would she follow her own advice? Two guys were falling for her every move. Both of them would sacrifice everything to risk it all. How far would she go to do the same? She adores both men very much. Truth be told, she might have known Ethan a bit longer than Michael, but, when they're together time stands still. Like they were former lovers in a past afterlife coming back to one another, as much as she tried, she couldn't do the same with Ethan. Deep down, she already picked who she wants. So why is this issue for her? It's because she knows, either way, she can't get what she wants. She'll lose someone dear to her in the end. She may already know what this was about as they reach the gymnasium. Eileen excused herself as she had to talk to one of her fellow peers.

  Michael was seen sauntering down the hallway. He spotted the man of the hour down the gym. “Just the man I was looking for,” Michael replied as Ethan's forehead puckered at in his direction.

  “What's up?” Ethan was looking forward to leaving school this summer break.

  “I uh, came from Coach's Deveraux office. He wanted to know if I was well enough to join the team.”

  Ethan raised his brow flabbergasted. “My coach?” Ethan found it peculiar. Michael nods as he was stunned when he found out. “I thought you couldn't play because of your knee?” Ethan recalled the story from the woods as Heagertigh shrugs. Unsure if he could even play as he used too.

  “I'm not sure if I can function the way I used too, but I do know how to throw a ball. He gave me until school started to give him an answer.”

  Ethan along with Michael, both pondered that same thought. Would they be able to work together again if he did accept the offer? Michael was both excited but terrified to try again. He knew his father would be thrilled. Given how crushed he was when the dream died.

  “Have you told Eileen? You two have been getting close lately.” Ethan wasn't wrong about that.

  This would put a damper on the plans he had in mind for a summer break. Little did they know she was eavesdropping on everything. She took a deep breath before sauntering right past them. As she left the gymnasium. Hoping she didn't convert their attention.

  Eileen? Michael raised his brow, starting to suspect. “You don't think she—?”

  Ethan knew what he was promising. “Overheard? Yeah, I think she did.”

  Dammit. Letting out a discontented sigh as he muttered under his breath.

  “Good luck with her man,” Ethan patted him on the shoulder, letting him handle this.

  Michael nods. Yeah, because I'm going to need it. The two walk away in different directions. Ethan's grins disappeared as he spotted coach Deveraux coming up to him.

  “Ryley, thanks for that tip on Heagertigh. I don't know what his current condition is, but hopefully he'll make a great acquisition for the team. Keep up the good work, and you might make captain next year.” Deveraux patted him on the back as Ethan nods, watching him walk away.

  Sorry, Eileen, but I did what I had to do, for the greater good. Walking away for his next class, knowing he did the right thing.

  《***》

  A furrowed Caden was leaning against his locker. He peered his eyes at the direction his brother and Kate were in. No matter what, he couldn't support this thing called 'a relationship' as a familiar voice snapped out of his train of thoughts.

  “H-hey? Is everything okay?” Kate spotted him turning away. Knowing she's been neglecting him the past few months to hang out with Flynn.

  “A lot better now that you're here so movie marathon tonight?” Caden suggested a date night like they had in the past. He wasn't trying anything this time. Caden missed his best friend. The one he had before all the chaotic saga started. As he hoped she'll say yes.

  “Much as I missed that.” She needed a break from the love crap. Caden knew there was a but coming. "I need to talk to Flynn about something."

  Caden knew when to but out of her private life. “You want me to ...?” Caden started to ask knowing he would stay just to make sure things won't get too discomfiting.

  She had an idea of her own. “I'll tell you what. We'll do the movie night at your place. That way when I finished with Flynn, I'll meet you upstairs? Sound good?” That way she can kill two birds with one stone.

  He beams happily to have his friend back. Although, one thing was sure he wasn't going to let her confront him alone. Not by a long shot.

  《***》

  Kelli was sauntering down the hall. Spotting a blonde who looks a lot like Kandace. She was five feet away from the coach’s door when Kelli grabbed her wrist to stop her.

  “Kandace,” Kelli panted as she was puzzled on why she was here. “W-what are you,”

  Kandace who was a little distracted as she wasn't paying attention to her sister nearby. She just wanted to survive today without being reminded of the party. Kelli saw she was exhausted. Ugh, Kandace didn't need this today of all days. Kelli was curious about what she was doing. She was holding her uniform in hand.

  “I need a break from everything. So, I'm turning in my pom-poms,” Kandace explained the best she could. Understanding why she's taking the cowards way out. The truth was Kelli needed her. Convincing her to change her mind was a hard task despite everything.

  “Kandace please can we talk about this?” Kelli pleaded with her.

  Kandace was still chagrined by the whole situation. “Not now Kelli alright. If I talk to you now I'm going to regret saying stuff I may not take back.” Kandace headed inside to return her uniform.

  Kelli wasn't finished with this. Waiting for her to come back out.

  Kandace glowered at her sister who never left. “You never give up, do you?”

  Kelli wretched her by the arm again. The only thing she had t
o ask that was wracking the inside of her head all weekend. “Why didn't you tell him?”

  Kandace knitted her brow together. So that's what this little reunion is about? A ticked off Kandace rolled her eyes. Breaking the grip. They stare daggers at each other. Both of them were ready to strike.

  Kelli pursed her lips together. She peered at Kandace who had a despairing look on her face. Whatever she was going to address it won't work. Any shred of hope of being sisters again was erased. She snarled her lips starting to get nettled. “Maybe I care because all you and the girls do is contempt everybody. Trying to become a monarch knockoff. Guess what princess, nobody will support a stuck-up bitch!” Kandace stormed away she was seconds away from slapping her.

  Kelli mutters under her breath. Regaining her composure before walking in the other direction.

  《***》

  A brooding Kandace was finally able to breathe again until she was interrupted by Wyatt.

  “Kandace,”

  She nearly collided with him as he grabbed her attention. He heard the peevish sigh escaping her mouth. Debating on staying to find out what he wanted. Why did I choose to go back here today? She muttered under her breath. Getting this over with she folded her arms across her chest.

  At least you got her attention. He joked. Yeah, it wasn't a good time for that.

  “What? Shouldn't you be sucking down my sister's saliva?” Kandace said in a tetchy, tone. Her fellow peers walked past them.

  This was Wyatt's opportunity to say something. Possible chance to win back her heart. He knew it was ludicrous, careless and stupid. He can't take it back. No matter how much he replayed it inside his head. “I love you too Kandace. I can't let you go. Not like this. That night everything was messed up. Our relationship was—”

  She slapped him across the face which got Travis attention who was talking to one of his teammates. The relationship was getting stale. She knew he wanted out. He took the cowardly way to break it off. “If you wanted to break up you could have said so. You didn't have too—” Her eyes darted up as she spotted Travis watching them which forced her to stop lashing out. “Leave me alone for a while, alright?” Knowing this isn't over.

  “Hey? Is everything okay?” Travis asked out of concern, but she ignored him too.

  《***》

  Finding something that made him feel better as Torrie came up to him. He leaned in to kiss her gently on the lips.

  “Angel, how are you doing?” Kasper couldn't stop thinking about her.

  Hating that he's still using that nickname. She smiles and lets it slide. “Still, a bit bruised but doing better. Marlowe said you two talked?”

  Kasper nods seeing why Marlowe was sentimental of Torrie. Not wanting to reveal the whole conversation. “Yeah about what kind of trouble you'll put me in.” He might've been kidding. It made her laugh though.

  She noticed how serious he became. Kasper felt his head lower. He was wistful about leaving her when she needed him most.

  “I've been worried about you. I really am sorry for how things—”

  Torrie caressed his cheek as she put her hands in his. “Hey, I'm okay now.”

  He nodded but still had a wary suspicion. One wrong move. He shudders to think about it. They walk down the halls hand in hand. It was nice to not feel forced. Nobody was breathing down their backs. “So? Got any plans for tonight?”

  She shrugs. The truth was she was all partied out for once. “Not really, what about you?” Torrie wondered if he had something in mind.

  Kasper only asked to find out if Torrie was going. “Want to do something together?” He has an idea that he's been holding back.

  Torrie laughs raising her brow. “You asking me out, Lockhart?” They've had a few conversations about turning their fake relationship real. Would the two of them ever consider making it official?

  “What if I am? Not like you got anything better to do tonight.”

  She was thinking about it. Hanging out with Lockhart wouldn't be so bad. “Alright, you got yourself a bet. Time to see what my 'fake boyfriend' is like.” She teased as she was looking forward to it.

  He pulled her closer towards his chest and leaned in to kiss her passionately. He released the hold letting her catch her breath. “Just a preview of what's to come to Angel.” He whispered walking away with a smirk.

  Torrie grins mostly watching his ass as he saunters away. What? It's not like Kasper doesn't do the same thing either.

  Chapter 37

  “What's with you?” Torrie asked her brooding sister, who was putting her clothes away upstairs. It helps Eileen when she distracts herself from her own issues. Torrie raised her brow. They needed some overdue bonding time. But it can't be tonight, she has a date with Kasper. Eileen remained silent on the subject. “Nothing, huh?” She's been her 'momma' for a while now. Torrie knew how to pick up little signals of hers. She was going to talk, but the doorbell interrupted her thoughts. “Hold that thought,” Torrie headed downstairs to open the door. She grins, opening the door. “New boy, so what do I owe this delightful visit?” Already speculating a hunch.

  He chuckles to himself. “Is she home?” The woman he was talking about heard his voice from upstairs.

  Eileen rolled her eyes, dreading to see him. Knowing she needs to stop avoiding him after learning, he might be spending his summer with a ball and not her.

  Torrie ponders on answering that question. “She might be home.” Torrie tilted her head to let him enter the house.

  His eyes observed a shadow from the top of the stairs. “Can we talk?” Michael pleaded with her.

  Torrie may not know what exactly is going on here. She had an idea, and before she could answer. “Of course, you can.”

  Eileen tried to fight her grip as she dragged her downstairs. Michael found it cute that Torrie is so demanding at times.

  An impassive Eileen glowered at her sister. “Torrie what are you ...” Not letting her finish her thought as she shoves her bumping into Michael, who didn't mind.

  “I have a date to get ready for. Have her back whenever you like.” Torrie simpers grabbing her coat, handing it to her on the way out.

  Eileen started to protest until she caves. Mumbling as she puts her jacket on. Michael's mouths, thank you for closing the door behind him.

  She nods, waving. Sighing to herself. One down … one to go.

  《***》

  “Thought you were going?” A contemplate Flynn asked, coming downstairs seeing Torrie, who was still here.

  As she tried not to gag at his scent. “Ease up on the cologne will ya, I'm going, I had to take care of a little issue.” He wondered about an issue of his own. “Speaking of issues, how's yours going with ...” She whistles tilting her head upstairs, referring to Caden.

  He shrugs as he wasn’t in the mood to worry about it tonight. He had other important matters to discuss. They did not include him. Whether he was a part of the situation or not. “Still the same after I figure out where I stand with Kate, I'm going to try to get Caden back.” That was the plan. He should know plans don't always go according to plan.

  Torrie nods patting his back. “Good luck,” he was going to need it as she heads to her she wants to say a date but, she wasn't sure what this was. “Just try to keep it civil until one of us comes home okay.” In case they need to break up another fight.

  Flynn rolls his eyes as she leaves. He lets out a dispirited sigh hoping he can work things out with his brother. This fight over the same girl isn't worth it anymore.

  《***》

  The doorbell broke their concentration. Both brothers were jumping a bit. Calming himself down as Flynn walked towards the door. Just relax Flynn you got this. Saying to himself before opening the door. Both of them haven't spoken since Tiffani's party. “H-hey,” Flynn started the conversation. Trying to make small talk as he stepped aside to let her inside.

  Caden glanced at the stairs debating on eavesdropping on this conv
ersation.

  “H-hi,” Kate added as she walked inside.

  “Glad you made it,” he thought she wasn't going to.

  “I almost didn't.”

  Flynn knew why she was pushing him away. “Y-yeah,” he was feeling nervous about where his relationship stood.

  Caden sat down at the top of the stairs listening in. He felt terrible about doing this. Putting his mind at ease about where her head was at. Hating he was right about being hooked on Flynn.

  《***》